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BE 8: Sixth Guru Hargobind Dev – The Warrior Saint, The Sword of Dharma Awakens

In the holy city of Amritsar, beside the shining Amrit Sarovar tank, a brave soul was born on June 19, 1595, to Guru Arjan Dev (the fifth Guru) and Mata Ganga Devi. This was Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru of Sikhism, the only child of his parents. His father was tortured and martyred when Hargobind was just 11, making him grow up fast in a family full of loss but strong faith. He had no brothers or sisters, but his uncles Prithi Chand and Mahadev (older brothers of Guru Arjan) were part of the larger family—Prithi Chand caused some troubles by claiming leadership, but Hargobind stayed focused on his path. From young age, he learned horse riding, hunting, and Gurbani, blending saintly wisdom with warrior skills, always remembering Hari’s name amid Punjab’s troubles under Mughal rule.

At age 11 in 1606, right after his father’s martyrdom, Guru Arjan named him the next Guru. Hargobind married Mata Damodari in 1605 when he was 10 (a common early marriage then), and she gave him five children: sons Baba Gurditta (born 1613), Baba Suraj Mal (born 1616), Baba Ani Rai (born 1620), Baba Atal Rai (born 1623), and daughter Bibi Viro (born 1615). Later, he married Mata Nanaki and Mata Mahadevi (also called Marwahi), who had one son Guru Tegh Bahadur (born 1621) from Mata Nanaki. Tegh Bahadur became the ninth Guru. The family faced hardships, with Mughal emperors watching closely.

Guru Hargobind’s life was like a lion waking to protect the weak. He introduced miri-piri—the idea of spiritual (piri) and worldly (miri) power—wearing two swords: one for saintly authority, one for justice. At his guruship ceremony, he asked followers to bring weapons, starting the tradition of saint-soldiers. He built the Akal Takht throne in 1608 opposite Harmandir Sahib, a place for decisions on faith and defense, high steps showing strength. Imprisoned in Gwalior Fort by Jahangir for 3 years (1617-1619) on false charges, he freed 52 innocent kings with him, earning the title Bandi Chhor—liberator of prisoners. He trained 800 horses, 300 riders, and armed sangats against attacks. Battles came: four against Mughal forces (like at Amritsar in 1621 and Kartarpur in 1634), where he won with strategy and faith, never starting fights but defending dharma.

Here’s a strong teaching from Guru Hargobind, like a shield in battle:

Gurmukhi: ਹਰਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਸੁਣੈ ਸੁਣਾਵੈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਸੁ ਜਨ ਕੀ ਸਰਨਿ ਆਵੈ ॥
Devanagari: हरि कीरतनु सुणै सुणावै ॥ नानक तिसु जन की सरनि आवै ॥
English: Listen and share Hari’s praise; Nanak says, take refuge in such a person.

This teaching is like a strong fort in a storm, safe and warm inside. It says singing and hearing Hari’s kirtan brings protection, like a wise friend guiding you home. In that refuge, fears melt away, the Divine’s song filling your heart with courage, wrapping you in peace that no enemy can touch, making every day a victory of light.

Another hymn roars like a warrior’s call:

Gurmukhi: ਰੇ ਮਨ ਐਸੀ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਕਰਿ ॥ ਜੈਸੀ ਮਾਛੁ ਜਲ ਕੀ ਰੀਤਿ ॥
Devanagari: रे मन ऐसी हरि सिउ प्रीति करि ॥ जैसी माछु जल की रीति ॥
English: O mind, love Hari like a fish loves water.

This verse is like a fish joyfully swimming in a river, free and alive. It asks your heart to love Hari that deeply—without Him, life dries up like a fish on land. In that love, you find true freedom, the Divine’s flow carrying you through troubles, your soul refreshed and strong, blooming with endless joy.

But warrior ways faced Mughal fury under Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Armies raided Amritsar in 1621 after jealousy over Hargobind’s hunting and army—soldiers burned homes, forced conversions, killed cows to mock Hindus, harmed women in villages. Hargobind fought back at battles like Hargobindpur, using guerrilla tactics to protect. Fatwas called him rebel, spies poisoned food, but he saved lives, even healing enemy wounds. He moved to Kiratpur in hills for safety in 1634, building peace there.

Guru Hargobind’s gifts made Sikhs strong: Akal Takht for justice, Lohgarh Fort for defense, training in wrestling and arms. He expanded langar, welcomed all. On March 3, 1644, at age 48, he joined Hari in Kiratpur, naming grandson Har Rai (son of Gurditta) the seventh Guru. Spots honor him: Harmandir Sahib; Akal Takht; Gurdwara Bandi Chhor in Gwalior. His life blended Hindu Kshatriya duty with bhakti, a saint-warrior against tyranny, his swords a vow: protect the weak, Hari’s justice prevails.

Also Read:

Sikhism Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/sikhism/

Pandharpur Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/pandharpur-series

Kamakhya Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/kamakhya-series

Jagannath Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/jagannath-puri-series

Navratri Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/navratri/

Durga Saptashati Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/durga-saptashati/

Russia-Ukraine War Series https://rimple.in/category/blog-episode-series/russia-ukraine-war/